Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A method of abating cracking, deformation while tamping product into a container, or both cracking and deformation, the container having a bottom portion prone to cracking, deformation, or both cracking and deformation, the method comprising:
 supporting a plurality of containers with a plurality of conforming support elements while tamping product into the plurality of containers a tamping station with a plurality of tamping heads, the plurality of conforming support elements each having a bearing surface conforming with the bottom portion of a respective one of the plurality of containers; 
 retracting the plurality of conforming support elements upon conclusion of the tamping; 
 while the plurality of conforming support elements is at a retracted position, removing the tamped containers from the tamping station and advancing an un-tamped container into the tamping station; and 
 subsequently returning the plurality of conforming support elements to a supporting position upon advancing a plurality of un-tamped containers. 
 
     
     
       2. An apparatus configured to abate cracking, deformation or both cracking and deformation while tamping product into a container, the container having a bottom portion prone to cracking, deformation, or both cracking and deformation, the apparatus comprising:
 an arrangement configured to support a plurality of containers with a plurality of conforming support elements while tamping product into the containers with a plurality of tamping heads at a tamping station, the arrangement including an actuator configured to retract the plurality of conforming support element upon conclusion of the tamping, and while the conforming support element is at a retracted position, the arrangement to tamp product configured to remove the tamped containers from the tamping station, to advance a plurality of un-tamped containers into the tamping station, and subsequently returning the plurality of conforming support elements to a supporting position upon the arrangement advancing the plurality of un-tamped containers.